Katy OKs design-build process for bond projects

Seniors request new community center

Published 5:30 am, Monday, June 9, 2008

The city of Katy is moving forward with seeking a qualified team of architects and contractors to design and build a new municipal courts building and remodel the city's fire station.

Katy City Council approved Monday night the design-build process recommended by staff for two of the city's bond projects.

Last month, the council postponed voting on the projectuntil newly-elected members Carol Adams and Larry Gore had time to review the request.

Both Gore and Adams were elected in May to replace outgoing Councilmen Hill Adams (Carol's husband) and Steve Pierson whose terms had expired. Carol Adams and Gore attended their first meeting Monday, and voted to approve the plans for the capital projects.

"This is a good way to go about it," said Gore, adding that the design-build process seemed to be the best method and best value for the city.

As part of the design-build process, the city will hire and work with one firm to perform design and construction tasks for the bond-funded projects.

This is the first time the city will use this method for capital improvement projects. Previous construction projects, including the newly-expanded Katy Police Station, went through a formal bid process that included hiring separate architects and contractors.

"This time it's one entity, one team," said David Leyendecker, the city's engineer who will be working with the selected team on the projects. "If there's a problem, we know who to go to. The city will have more control over the project."

In addition, several city staff members will be closely involved with the project and will monitor the operations of the hired team on a daily basis, said Assistant City Manager Bill Drohan.

Katy residents approved last year $1.5 million to renovate the Katy Fire Department headquarters, and $1.5 million to construct a new municipal courts building.

The fire station is in need of repairs to its concrete driveway and will be expanded to include more space for training and sleeping quarters.

City officials are still reviewing possible designs for the new courts building, which will be constructed on Franz Road next to the Katy Police Station.

Katy voters also approved bond funding for street repairs and work along Avenue D. Officials say construction on Avenue D will be a separate process and is expected to begin after the work on the fire station and courts building is under way.

Seniors request new center

In other business, a group of about 30 Katy senior citizens, represented by one woman, presented to council members their request for a new senior civic center, saying the current facility is inadequate to meet their needs.

"Two administrations ago, a bond issue was passed to make possible a building with adequate parking that would meet our needs," Shirley Adams, a Katy resident since 1945, told the council. "Not only do we not have a new facility, but to our surprise no one thought to buy or dedicate land for this purpose."

Katy voters approved in 2000 a $3 million bond initiative to build a new civic/community center that would provide expanded space for seniors' activities as well as youth events, city-sponsored functions and staff offices.

More than 400 seniors meet five days a week at the Social Services building at 905 Ave. C for games, exercise and social activities, Adams said, and that space is not sufficient.

"There has been no change in our facility in 30 years," Adams said. "We seniors feel that our specific needs are being neglected and ignored and we have no information to assure us that we are in your plans for the near future."

However, Mayor Don Elder Jr. said the senior citizens are an important part of the Katy community and council will address their concerns.

"Your concerns are well taken and we will visit with you at some time here in the future on those concerns," Elder said.

Council members are currently considering options for a multipurpose civic center that could be used for senior activities and other events.

Officials could purchase land to construct a new building, or purchase an existing structure to renovate. No timeline for a center has been set.